January 29, 2013

Introducing…Fleur du Mal

The Label:Fleur du MalBased In: New York CityDesigned By: Jennifer Zuccarini, the social media loving co-founder of kinky-chic luxury lingerie line Kiki de Montparnasse and former design director of Victoria's Secret, who launched Fleur du Mal in late fall of last year as an online-only proposition. "We launched just five weeks ago," the Toronto-born, FIT-trained designer told TFI's Lauren David Peden just before the holidays. "I started working on the concept last year. The idea was to create a brand that evokes desire. When I discovered the name Fleur du Mal ("flower of evil"), it really represented a dichotomy I'm always drawn to—beauty with a bit of a dark side. The story behind Baudelaire is also very intriguing, we were using the theme "love hurts" for our campaign—a reference to his poetry. I see the brand as hopefully developing a culture and encompassing everything from music to art and design." To this end, many of the non-fashion items featured in the site's editorial images (from books and artwork to rugs and furniture) are also shoppable via the click of a mouse for a truly immersive online experience.Looks Like: Chic, strong, provocative and feminine, Fleur du Mal ranges from seductive underpinnings to sleekly sensual ready-to-wear (heavy on the leather, chiffon and peek-a-boo details), designed, says Zuccarini, for "women and the men who love them" (wink, wink). Spring 2013 was loosely inspired by the Seventies cult film, Death Race 2000, which showcased what the designer calls "crazy-sexy Seventies silhouettes, floral appliqués and women in helmets." The resulting collection blends all of the above (sexy bodysuits, satin tie-back panties, lacy balconette bras, leather-bodice dresses and chiffon panel t-shirts), sans the helmets. Zuccarini collaborated with the venerable Paris corset makers, Cadolle, for spring and has a few similar tricks up her sheery lacy sleeve for upcoming seasons.Sold At: Fleur du Mal ranges from $45 - $350 for lingerie and $195 - $2,500 for collection and is available exclusively at Fleur du Mal's website.